Arts Council school grant opportunities improve

The Ventura County Arts Council announces an increase in its mini-grant educational program for schools in 2019.

Grants of $500 to $1,000 will be available to bring standards-based arts programs into kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms in Ventura County. Local nonprofit organizations, artists and schools are encouraged to apply.

Applicants can download the application by visiting vcartscouncil.org and selecting “Mini-Grants.”

Selection criteria include learning experiences structured by the California Arts Content Standards, utilization of local artist resources and ongoing learning that uses this project as a springboard for continuing arts education and/or integration with other content areas.

All funded programs must take place during the school day and projects be completed by June 15. The mini-grant can be used to pay for artist services, tickets to an arts-based performance or transportation to an arts event. Only one application per school, arts organization or artist will be funded, and the Artist-in-the-Classroom Project from the Ventura County Arts Council is not eligible.

Twenty-five percent of the amount requested must be matched by the school.

Upon notification of acceptance, the applicant will receive 75 percent of the funds, with the remainder paid out after the project is completed and an evaluation is turned in.

Applicants will be notified by March 1 about selection for the grants, which are funded by the John and Beverly Stauffer Foundation.